Preparation

We prepare this recipe in a large pot on the stovetop so that we don't have
to cook every day, and there is some left for several days. This recipe
will make 12 servings as a main meal, or double that as an appetizer. We
store the leftover cooled soup in the covered stainless steel cooking pot in the
refrigerator. This recipe is also great for a covered dish supper.

Actual cooking time is 30-45 minutes, once all the ingredients have been
added and the soup is cooking on a simmering boil.

We cook our beans early in the morning by cleaning and washing them, placing
them in a pot covered with water on the stovetop, and bringing the contents to a
boil. Once the pot boils, lower the heat to simmer, cover and cook until
the beans are tender. Mix occasionally, and add water as necessary. You
can omit this step if you are using canned beans.

Wash and clean the fresh veggies and peel the onions and carrots.
Finely shred the carrots and chop or coarsely shred the other fresh veggies in a
food processor or by hand. Place in the large pot, add water to just cover
the veggies, place on the stovetop, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to
simmer.

While the soup pot is heating, add the seasonings, tomato paste, and frozen
peas and corn. Mix well. If you are using crushed tomatoes, they can
be added now. If you are using canned tomato pieces, add only the liquid
portion now, and the pieces near the end of the cooking process (see below).

After the soup has simmered for about 30 minutes, taste the soup and
the texture of the veggies. If the veggies are not tender enough for your
taste, continue simmering for another 15 minutes or until they are tender.
When the veggies are tender enough, add the canned tomato pieces (if you are
using them) and the beans. Mix well and continue simmering for a few more
minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

Utensils and Equipment Information

The above recipe is in keeping with God's creation intent (Genesis 1:29-31):
'Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every
tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the
earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-- everything that
has the breath of life in it-- I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all
that he had made, and it was very good.' (NIV) Let no animal suffer or die that we may live!